The students (grades 4 through 8) will be able to: distinguish between qualitative and quantitative experiments, define manipulated, responding and controlled variables, graphing, horizontal and manipulating axis, extrapolation and interpolation.

For the teacher: (Teacher's language is important don't let it hang YOU up....Have fun with this, MY KIDS DID!) Teachers.....This is an introduction to the quantitative approach to science that I feel is easy to learn. I remind the students through visual aides the difference between quantitative and qualitative approach to science graphing. Note: It is imperative that the students are ready to graduate from bar graphs to point graphs. I explain to the students that the point graph replaces the bar with a dot or point at the center of the top of the bar. Using the chalkboard, I have the students write the definitions of the terms they will use in doing the experiment. Graphing is fun.....but, there are certain facts one must keep in mind when doing graphing...I remind the students that all the data points are not going to fit perfectly; however, we must really try to fit them perfectly. We must fit a straight line through the area of the data points. It should be noted that if they do obtain data points that do not fit a straight line, it is due to the problems in obtaining the data, unsteady hand, and or a poor read. To assure a good fit, also, known as the best fit line, remind the students that they should make as many points on the graph as possible.(At least 3). When students look at the data points on a graph to draw a conclusion it is called, interpolation. Sometimes experiments require students to make a prediction beyond the last data the last data point this is called extrapolation.

It is important that the students know that in this experiment they will be counting in centimeters (cm).

Procedure:1. Remember each students should have a job Recorder, materials gatherer, director, experimentor, etc.2. Go over the vocabulary used in the experiment3. Go over the expectations you want each student and group of students to do4. Read the procedure with the students5. If you find it necessary, demonstrate the set up

Performance Assessment:

Bouncing Balls Data SheetLabel drawing of experiment. Note: H1 is the release height and H2 the bounce height. Label H1 and H2 in your drawing. 1. Which is manipulated variable?2. Which is the responding variable?3. What variables are held fixed during the experiment?4. Why is it a good idea to carry out at least three trails for each value of H1? 5. Why did you take an average numerical value H2?

......Graphing....................

Note: You are going to plot the averages of the tennis ball and the super ball on the same graph. Use colored pencils to identify the ball i.e. green for tennis ball and blue for tennis ball. Work together and use your notes...................

Answer the following questions:1. On which axis (horizontal or vertical) did you plot the manipulated variable? 2. On which axis (horizontal or vertical) did you plot the responding variable?3. Did you plot your data according to the sequence (H2, H1) or (H1,H2)?4. Is (O,O) a data point?_________________Why?_________________________

Conclusions:

The students will be able to answer the following questions with 80% accuracy.

Bouncing Ball Experiment1. What type of experiment was this?2. Is the type of ball qualitative or quantitative?3. What are the two main variables on this experiment?

Using the graph you just did.........answer the questions 1-41. If the release height of the tennis ball is 60 cm, what is the rebound height? Did you use interpolation or extrapolation?2. If the release height of the tennis ball is 160 cm, what is the rebound height? Did you use interpolation or extrapolation? Check your prediction experimentally. Was your answer approximately correct?3. If the tennis ball rebounds to a height of 140 cm, from what height was it released? Did you use interpolation or extrapolation?4. If the release height of the super ball is one meter, what is the rebound height? Did you use interpolation or extrapolation?

References:

AIMS Program on Geometry and GraphingCPS Qualitative Approach to Science '93